Where does the Dunnock live?

The Dunnock lives in specific habitats and regions. Knowing where, and when, to look improves your chances of a successful sighting.

Biomes

Temperate forests, woodlands, scrublands, hedgerows, gardens, parks, and urban green spaces.

Geographic range

Widespread across Europe, from the Atlantic coast eastwards through Russia to the Ural Mountains. Also found in parts of the Middle East and North Africa. Introduced to New Zealand.

Preferred environments

Dense undergrowth, thickets, hedges, shrubbery, and areas with good ground cover. They prefer habitats with a mix of open ground for foraging and dense vegetation for cover and nesting.

Elevation range

Sea level up to 2,000 meters in some mountainous regions, but typically found at lower elevations.

Where to look

Field tips

1. Be Patient and Quiet. Dunnocks are often shy and inconspicuous. Sit quietly near dense cover and wait for them to emerge to forage.
2. Look Low. They spend most of their time foraging on the ground or very low in vegetation. Focus your attention on the base of hedges and bushes.
3. Listen for the Song. Their distinctive song is often the first indication of their presence, even if they are hidden from view.
4. Check Bird Feeders. In winter, they may visit ground feeders or feed under hanging feeders, picking up dropped seeds.

Migration

Northern and eastern populations are migratory, moving south and west for the winter. Western and southern European populations are largely resident or undertake short-distance movements. British and Irish populations are mostly resident.

Explore the Dunnock